Pseudomonas Induces Defense Genes in Wheat Roots

Exposure to certain strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens often restrains diseases in wheat caused by soilborne pathogens. However, the impact of these beneficial bacteria on wheat gene expression is still unknown. Thus, Patricia Okubara of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, together with other scientists, tested the hypothesis that P. fluorescens induces defense genes in wheat roots. Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) or unique stretches of DNA that are similar to defense/stress genes of other plants were selected from wheat root EST libraries for microarray experiments. Results of various analyses suggest that biocontrol of P. fluorescens alters defense/stress gene expression in wheat roots. The information and molecular resources developed in this study provide wheat gene candidates to be tested for disease-suppressive activity and enhancing protection against particular root pathogens.

For more information, read the complete article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2010.07.009.